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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Blu Girls succumb to Venezuela in World Cup Group Stage opener

Blu Girls succumb to Venezuela in World Cup Group Stage opener

Published Jul 15, 2026 12:34 pm

At A Glance

  • Venezuela broke the game open with a four-run third inning to grab the early lead, but the world No. 13 Nationals roared back by scoring three runs in the fourth to cut the deficit.
The Philippine Blu Girls. (Screengrab from WBSC)
The Philippine Blu Girls. (Screengrab from WBSC)
The Philippine Blu Girls dropped their opening assignment in the WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup Group Stage, falling to lower-ranked Venezuela, 8-5, in Lima, Peru on Wednesday, July 15 (Philippine time).
Venezuela broke the game open with a four-run third inning to grab the early lead, but the world No. 13 Nationals roared back by scoring three runs in the fourth to cut the deficit.
Alyssa Marie Daniell delivered an RBI single to center field that brought home Roma Jane Cruz before Angel Gabriel tripled to deep right center, driving in Daniell and Ma. Victoria Magbanua to trim their deficit to 3-4.
But the Venezuelans kept it steady and made their move on top of the seventh, driving in four runs -- including a three-run homer to deep left center by Diana Arcay -- to seize a commanding 8-3 advantage.
The Blu Girls attempted a comeback on the bottom seventh with two runs, but ultimately fell short.
Despite the defeat, the Cebuana Lhuillier-backed Nationals hoped to regain their bearings and bounce back in their next match.
But they would need to triple down their efforts as they next face defending champion and world No. 1 Japan next.
“We knew coming into this tournament that every game would be a challenge because we are competing against some of the best softball nations in the world,” said Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines (ASAPHIL) President Jean Henri Lhuillier.
“While today's result is disappointing, it does not define this team. The Blu Girls have always shown resilience in the face of adversity, and I believe they will respond with the determination and fighting spirit that have become their trademark. We still have everything to play for, and I have full confidence that they can bounce back stronger in the games ahead.”
Six teams are competing in this group stage with only the Top 2 teams after this tournament advancing to the World Cup Finals next year in Redcliffe, Australia.

Related Tags

Blu Girls WBSC World Cup Group Stage Venezuela
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